📖 Biblical Definition
Rebellion in Scripture is active resistance against authority — supremely against God. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft (1 Sam 15:23, the LORD through Samuel to Saul). Adam's fall was rebellion; Israel's wilderness murmurings were rebellion; the human heart's default posture toward God's law is rebellion (Rom 8:7). Christ's perfect obedience reverses Adam's rebellion (Rom 5:19); the saint's repentance is rebellion-turning.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Active resistance against authority; in Scripture, especially against God; the human heart's default posture.
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1 Samuel 15:23 is striking: rebellion = witchcraft. The point: rebellion against God's lawful authority is spiritual transgression of the deepest kind, kindred to the demonic.
📖 Key Scripture
1 Samuel 15:23 — "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."
Romans 5:19 — "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."
Romans 8:7 — "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern culture often celebrates rebellion as authentic; Scripture names it transgression of the deepest kind.
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The household's diagnosis: the heart's default is rebellion. Repentance is rebellion-turning, not just behavior-modifying. Christ's obedience is the saint's righteousness; obedience is the saint's response to His rule.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew marad (to rebel); Greek apostasia.
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Hebrew marad — to rebel.
Greek apostasia — standing-away, rebellion.
Usage
"Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft."
"The heart's default is rebellion."
"Christ's obedience reverses Adam's rebellion."